Home
Tanzania
PLAN MY VISIT
TanzaniaKenyaRwandaUgandaExperiences Team
  • Top Destinations
PLAN MY VISIT →
  1. Home
  2. Tanzania
  3. Destinations
  4. Zanzibar Archipelago

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Situated in the Indian Ocean approximately 22 miles (36 km) off of Tanzania’s coast, the Zanzibar Archipelago comprises more than 50 islands. The largest and best known island is Zanzibar, which is also referred to locally as “Unguja Island.” Zanzibar is a low lying coral atoll covering an area of 565 square miles (1,464 square km). Commonly known as the “Spice Island” it boasts stunning white sand beaches and warm, clear blue waters that make it a popular honeymoon destination, or a treat at the end of a grueling trek on Kilimanjaro or a dusty safari through Tanzania’s game reserves.

Zanzibar Tanzania
Zanzibar Tanzania
Zanzibar Tanzania
Zanzibar Tanzania
Zanzibar Tanzania
←→

Centuries ago Zanzibar was a prosperous trading centre in East Africa with ivory, slaves, and spices as the main exports. In Stone Town, slave chambers still remain as a reminder of Zanzibar’s dark past. Many spice farms that dot the island grow cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, cardamom, pepper, turmeric, cacao, ginger and spice tours are a popular half day excursion for tourists.

Stone Town is Zanzibar’s capital city. It was constructed during the 19th century and flourished under the spice and slavery trade. The architecture of the old city remains much unchanged and reflects the influences of Arab, Persian, and Indian origins in Swahili culture. A labyrinth of narrow alleyways network through the Stone Town, which can be easily explored on foot leading to old Indian and Arab houses, mosques, and palaces. Hiring a guide to navigate Stone Town and explain its history, architecture and notable buildings is recommended. Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The quality of the beaches on Zanzibar differ depending on the area of the island. Generally, the beaches on the northern end of the island around Nungwi and along the east coast of the island boast the stunning powdery white sand and turquoise blue waters. During low tide the ocean can recede 0.6 miles (1 km) or more on the east coast, making the beaches not suitable for swimming. Most lodges and resorts have swimming pools as an alternative. The beaches along the south and west coast of the island are beautiful but aren’t quite as spectacular as the north or east coast, but they are not as tidal and it’s possible to swim off the beaches. The best snorkeling and diving trips around Zanzibar are near the Mnemba Atoll in the north, and Menai Bay Conservation Area in the southwest.

Zanzibar offers a broad range of marine activities from diving and snorkeling, to fishing, kayaking, wind-surfing, and even kite-surfing. On land, explore Stone Town, the spice farms, or a walk through Jozani Forest in search of the endemic Zanzibar red colobus monkey.

There are accommodations in Zanzibar to fit every budget range, from backpacker hostels to five-star, all-inclusive resorts. Zanzibar is serviced by both international and domestic airports. For most visitors, Zanzibar is a beach extension after a safari or climb and flight times to Zanzibar from Arusha is approximately 1.5 hour and from Dar Es Salaam it is a mere 20 minutes.

Zanzibar is generally safe to explore on foot during the day but pickpockets are present, especially in Stone Town, so take care with bags and cameras while walking around the narrow streets. Women should avoid walking on secluded beaches even during the day. Both men and women should not walk outside the resort after dark.

It should be noted that Zanzibar is largely a Muslim community and their customs should be respected. We recommend both men and women cover their legs and arms in public places. During Ramadan, avoid eating or drinking in public during the day.

Coastal climate is typical of the tropics, high temperatures and some rainfall year round. The best times along the coast are from June to October and from December to March when there mostly sunny days with little rain. During November the wind patterns change and generally more rain is expected. April and May receive heavy, continuous rain and some lodges and resorts close during this time.

Zanzibar Personalized Trips

🌴🐒 On Safari 'Til Further Notice 🦥🌲, Tanzania
Tanzania
🌴🐒 On Safari 'Til Further Notice 🦥🌲

Expert Choice TODO - the intro will show on listing pages

15 days $$$View Trip
Tanzania Family Safari Classic, Tanzania
Tanzania
Tanzania Family Safari Classic

Expert Choice this classic family trip offers a unique blend of wildife, culture and incredibly varied landscapes. This family safari itinerary is tailored to offer thrilling adventures to families with young travelers with no age restrictions.

12 days $$$View Trip
See More Trips


Excellent!
Trustpilot Rating
Based on 705 reviews
Trustpilot
Will use them again!
Communicative, helpful and honest. They stuck to my budget and accommodated my changes. My kids and I had such a good ti...
Dec 01, 2022
– Kayla C.
Trustpilot Rating
100 Stars!!
If I could give 100 stars, I would wholeheartedly. All the booked activities were excellent and pricing was unbeatable. ...
Nov 30, 2022
– Ravi D.
Trustpilot Rating
One of the best I have ever used
Having traveled a lot, I have used many travel companies. The responsiveness and efforts to meet our needs were unmatche...
Dec 08, 2022
– A. Hershe.
Trustpilot Rating
Above & Beyond in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, & Laos
Thank you to the entire team that made this trip so memorable for us. We appreciate your warmth and going above and beyo...
Jun 20, 2022
– Sapna
Trustpilot Rating
Best way to travel!
I trusted Harold from Anywhere.com to plan my family's vacation. Harold went above and beyond in making sure that our tr...
Oct 04, 2021
– Shivani P.
Trustpilot Rating
Profesionalism at its Best
My experience with Anywhere.com in Costa Rica was perfection. All of the drivers were punctual and pleasant; and all of ...
Aug 02, 2021
– Natasha I.
Trustpilot Rating
Anywhere is OUTSTANDING!
My family & I have used Anywhere to organize 3 vacations- Costa Rica, Peru, & now Ecuador. I would not hesitate to use t...
Jul 29, 2021
– Kara V.
Trustpilot Rating
Awesome vacation, everything went smoothly
Our agent (Erick) planned a great trip for our family of 5. All the tours were excellent, all the transport and lodging ...
Mar 17, 2020
– David
Trustpilot Rating
Everything Anywhere said they would do…
Everything Anywhere said they would do they did. Very professional and friendly staff.
Mar 16, 2020
– Darrell
Trustpilot Rating
We were very reassured in constructing…
We were very reassured in constructing our trip using Anywhere.com as the team responded promptly to our questions in a ...
Mar 16, 2020
– Michael
Trustpilot Rating
Great service!
Great service!
Mar 15, 2020
– Kyle K
Trustpilot Rating
If I could give 100+stars, I would.
If I could give 100+stars, I would.
Mar 15, 2020
– Jerry Pos.
Trustpilot Rating
I gave Anywhere a 48hr turnaround time…
I gave Anywhere a 48hr turnaround time before our departure to provide an itineary based on what we already researched a...
Mar 14, 2020
– Thomas hi.
Trustpilot Rating
Anywhere.com was so easy to work with
Anywhere.com was so easy to work with. They made booking my transfers a pleasant experience. And I even had some last ...
Mar 14, 2020
– Ashley Ba.
Trustpilot Rating
Perfectly planned
Perfectly planned. The trip went off with all (5) transfers on time and all our accommodations meeting or exceeding our...
Mar 14, 2020
– John C.
Trustpilot Rating

Let's Dream Together

Share your bucketlist to get inspiration and local connections.

We care about the protection of your data. Read our Privacy Policy.

Tanzania Vacations
  • Tanzania Family Safari Classic
  • Tanzania Active Honeymoon Safari
  • Tanzania Luxury Safari
  • On Safari 'Til Further Notice
  • Tanzania Classic Safari
  • Kenya Luxury Family Safari
  • Kenya Luxury Honeymoon Safari
  • Active Safari Adventure in Uganda and Tanzania
  • Rwanda Primate Safari
  • Luxury Rwanda Primate Safari
  • Kilimanjaro Summit
Highlights
  • Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
  • Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
  • Mount Kilimanjar, Tanzania
  • Mount Meru, Tanzania
  • Watamu, Kenya
  • Laikipia Lewa Ecosystem, Kenya
  • Tsavo National Park, Kenya
  • Masai Mara, Kenya
  • Lamu, Kenya
  • Amboseli National Park, Kenya
  • Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
  • Nyungwe, Rwanda
  • Kigali, Rwanda
  • Akagera, Rwanda
  • Queen Elizabeth, Uganda
  • Murchison Falls, Uganda
  • Kidepo Valley, Uganda
  • Jinga, Unanda
PLACES TO GO
  • Ngorongoro, Tanzania
  • Destination Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania
  • Destination Ruaha National Park, Tanzania
  • Zanzibar, Tanzania
  • Mahale Mountains National Park, Tanzania
  • Tarangire National Park, Tanzania
THINGS TO DO
  • Big 5 Safari
  • Gorilla Tracking
  • Wildlife Safari
  • Primate Safari
  • Horseback Safari
  • Walking Safari
  • Boat Safari
  • Kilimanjaro Climb
  • Mount Kenya Summit
  • Birdwatching
  • Volcano Hiking
  • Indigenous Culture
  • Hot Air Balloon
  • Helicopter Tour
  • Fly Fishing
Trustpilot 5 of 5 rated service
Trustpilot "Excellent"
Plan My Visit→+1 (888) 456-3212
MessengerContact AnywhereWhatsapp ContactCall USA: +1-888-456-3212

© 2023 Anywhere Inc. All rights reserved.Privacy Policy